Forms flat, often perfectly square, yellow to orange crystals

How to identify it
Unique Characteristics or Properties

Wolfenite has characteristic flattish square crystals. The image on the right has the characteristic square crystals, but is more three dimensional than most examples. It can also naturally form crystals that look like already cut gemstones. Individual crystals can grow up to four inches per edge on some specimens.

Where to find it
The Northwest: N/A
Other: Mexico, Zambia, Slovenia, China, Yuma Arizona, Austria

Past Uses
It is a minor source of molybdenum, other than that it is a rock for collectors only.

How it was Made
Forms in thin square plates or tabular crystals. It forms where lead and molydenum oxidize together.

Interesting Facts
Pristine examples can have a host of flat squares that look so perfect it’s hard to believe they’re natural.

More Information on the Web: Webmineral Mindat

Another form of Wulfenite.